Portsmouth are preparing to make a move for wantaway Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips - but are prepared to wait until the season kicks off in an attempt to prise him away on the cheap.

Pompey are one of four clubs Phillips' agent John Smith said last week are interested in the former England man.

Sunderland were initially understood to be looking for #4 million for their star asset but clubs know that the Black Cats' financial problems mean that as the end of the summer transfer window approaches, the lower the asking price will be as the Wearsiders try to avoid paying his wages while in the First Division.

If Portsmouth continue to wait, they may be able to pick up a player who scored 30 Premiership goals four years ago for as little as #2 million.

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy said: "There's a lot of talk going on about a number of players at the moment but I'm not in a position to elaborate as to who they are or which clubs are involved.

"Everyone knows the position the club is in and it hasn't changed from the end of last season - players will have to go."

Phillips was one of three first-teamers who did not play in the club's first pre-season friendly at the weekend, as they beat Durham City 4-0 at the Archibalds Stadium.

Phillips missed out after suffering a slight kick in training while Michael Gray (neck) and Gavin McCann (foot) were also absent although the trio are expected to be fit for Wednesday's friendly against Third Division York City at Bootham Crescent.

McCarthy fielded a different XI in each half against Durham, and after an even opening 45 minutes the teams went in level at 0-0 at the interval.

John Oster volleyed home just 17 seconds after the restart, Jody Craddock made it 2-0 with an acrobatic scissor-kick in the 57th minute, Michael Proctor finish from inside the box on 74 minutes and with eight minutes left Kevin Kilbane headed in.